Notes from Spain

NFS 079 - The Spanish Revolution Continues

Mon, 30 May 2011 10:09:00 +0000

Ben and Marina discuss unfolding events in "The Spanish Revolution" in Sol and beyond, and their trip to Cazorla www.notesfromspain.com

NFS 078 - Big Vultures

Mon, 16 May 2011 09:40:00 +0000

Ben and Marina are back, talking about Sepulveda, the Hoces Del Rio Duraton, and more. See notesfromspain.com for full details.

NFS 077 - Los Gazquez

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:02:00 +0000

Ben and Marina talk to Simon at the Cortijada Los Gazquez, an incredible restored country house in a wild Natural Park in Almeria. The house is totally off-grid, has some amazing eco-enhancements, and tremendous art projects on the go. See www.losgazquez.

NFS 076 - Summer Salad Days

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:51:00 +0000

The heat returns to Madrid, and Ben has trouble with salad, wonders why shops close at lunchtime in winter, and just can't map his school experiences onto the education system in Spain. www.notesfromspain.com

NFS 075 - Bilingual Battle and Leaving Madrid

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Ben and Marina discuss the battle to teach their baby their own languages first, and why they want to escape Madrid... for good? See notesfromspain.com for more, and to find the 'Madrid Confessions' audiobook...

NFS 074 - Notes from Ben

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Rainy days, Christmas, The state of Spain, and more... comment at notesfromspain.com please!

NFS 073 - Asturian Blowholes

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:42:00 +0000

A trip to the east of Asturias around Llanes.... photos and more info at notesfromspain.com

NFS 072 - La Renta: Tax for the Church

Tue, 27 May 2008 22:04:00 +0000

Should tax payers support the church? How religious is Spain? When will smoking finally be banned in bars? Come to notesfromspain.com to comment!

NFS 071 - Heading to the Costa de la Luz

Thu, 22 May 2008 18:41:00 +0000

From Carmona, to Cadiz, and the Costa de la Luz - full details and photos at notesfromspain.com

NFS 070 - When Spanish Women Wax

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:12:00 +0000

Why does no one wear shorts in the street? Will the new Defense minister change the lot of women forever? Is there a housing crisis in Spain? And is Marina going to have to get the police onto the neighbours? Head over to Notesfromspain.com to join in the discussion!

NFS 069 - The Institute of Cold

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:29:00 +0000

A true story about the death of a friend - See notesfromspain.com for more details.

NFS 068 - Ramirez and the Spanish Guitar

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 08:34:00 +0000

The Ramirez family has been making guitars in Madrid for 126 years. We visited their workshops in Madrid, spoke to Amalia Ramirez, and heard one of the these instruments being played. See notesfromspain.com for photos and more information.

NFS 067 - The Cycle Ride of a Lifetime

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:22:00 +0000

If you would like to ride from the Basque country all the way down to the depths of Andalusia, then guess what, you're invited! See notesfromspain.com for more details.

NFS 066 - Kaliyoga

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:24:00 +0000

This week we talk to Jonathon and Rosie, who set up Kaliyoga, a holistic yoga and detox center in the Alpujarra mountains south of Granada. See notesfromspain.com for more details.

NFS 065 - Lanjaron and the Alpujarras

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:26:00 +0000

Ben and Marina take a trip to the wonderful Alpujarra mountains south of Granada. See notesfromspain.com for photos and links.

NFS 064 - On learning...

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:23:00 +0000

Lessons learned living in Spain... and questions for you: What did you last learn? What was the motivation? What did it lead to? See notesfromspain.com to comment!

NFS 063 - The Bragas Factory

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:51:00 +0000

Retro-casting from our terrace, Ben talks about honesty in bars, gypsies, nickers factories, and the future of tourism in Spain. See notesfromspain.com for show notes and to comment.

NFS 062 - Abadia Retuerta

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:08:00 +0000

Ben and Marina head up to Abadia Retuerta for a day sipping wine and exploring the wine-making process. See notesfromspain.com for photos!

NFS 061 - Patios Competition, Cordoba

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:50:00 +0000

Ben and Marina check out the famous flowery patios competition held every May in Cordoba. See notesfromspain.com for photos and further details.

NFS 060 - Escape to Madrid

Thu, 31 May 2007 13:10:00 +0000

Ben and Marina chat to Jamie about a great way of spending a few months in Madrid. See notesfromspain.com for more details.

NFS 059 - Feria de Caballos, Jerez

Tue, 22 May 2007 18:57:00 +0000

One of the greatest fiestas in Spain: fino, horses, and great people watching down in Jerez. Pop over to notesfromspain.com to see all the photos and a short video!

NFS 058 - Cadiz

Fri, 11 May 2007 21:32:00 +0000

Notes from Cadiz: faded glory just as it should be. See notesfromspain.com for more details.

NFS 057 - Las Fallas

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:35:00 +0000

Ben and Marina head down to Valenica for Las Fallas fiestas, and chat to one of the locals before heading off to the most extraordinary Paella cooking events ever seen in Spain! See notesfromspain.com for photos and video.

NFS 056 - A year in Europe

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 07:05:00 +0000

Ben and Marina talk to Scott and Sheryl who gave up everything for a year on the road, and have just spent two months in Andalusia.

See notesfromspain.com and ayearineurope.com for details.

NFS 055 - Victimising the Spanish!

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 18:40:00 +0000

Richard Morely explains to Ben and Marina how he spends his holidays taunting the Spanish! See notesfromspain.com for full details...

Notes from Spain 54 - La Fiesta de San Anton

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:27:00 +0000

Every year on January 17th, people bring their pets to be blessed on the Calle Hortaleza in Madrid. See notesfromspain.com for details.

Notes from Spain 53 - Monasterio de Piedra

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 08:34:00 +0000

A beautiful area of waterfall-filled parkland on the way to Barcelona from Madrid. See notesfromspain.com for photos.

Notes from Spain 52 - Back Street Barcelona

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 21:50:00 +0000

14 minutes in the back streets of Barcelona. Who needs Gaudi? See notesfromspain.com for more Barcelona recommendations.

Notes from Spain 51 - Rambling

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:10:00 +0000

Despite all appearances no alcohol was consumed before the making of this podcast. See notesfromspain.com to comment...

Notes from Spain 50 - Siguenza

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:39:00 +0000

Ben and Marina spend a night in Siguenza castle, now a Parador, deep in Castilla La Mancha. See notesfromspain.com for more details.

Notes from Spain 49 - Living in Spain - Alan and Brian

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 16:05:00 +0000

Many of you will know Alan (AKA 'El listo') and Brian (AKA 'Greytop'), from the forums, and here they are in reality! - See notesfromspain.com for full details.

Notes from Spain 48 - The Rastro Market

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 20:36:00 +0000

Ben and Marina check out Madrid's famous Sunday market. See Notes from Spain for more details.

Notes from Spain 47 - Chris Stewart Interview

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 06:05:00 +0000

An interview with Chris Stewart, author of Driving Over Lemons, on his farm in the Alpujarra mountains. See notesfromspain.com for more details.

Notes from Spain Podcast 46 - Vallecas

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 18:06:00 +0000

Not many people put a trip to Vallecas at the top of their birthday list, but it really appealed to me! Another wonderful market lies at the centre of a very traditional Barrio MadrileÃ±o. See notesfromspain.com for details and photos...

Notes from Spain 45 - Fiestas in Madrid

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:13:00 +0000

Ben and Marina check out the summer fiestas in Madrid. See www.notesfromspain.com for details.

Notes from Spain 44 - Ourense Market

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 19:50:00 +0000

Ben and Marina bring you a soundseeing tour from Ourense Market, see www.notesfromspain.com for details!

Notes from Spain 43 - Moving to Spain

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 21:43:00 +0000

Helpful hints for all of you who hope to make the big move to Spain soon! See www.notesfromspain.com for full details.

Notes from Spain 42 - Ramblings from Gandia

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 11:37:00 +0000

Heat stroke may account for these random ramblings from the beach. See notesfromspain.com for details.

Notes from Spain 41 - Spanish wine

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 08:57:00 +0000

Ryan from www.catavino.net talks to Ben about why it isn't all just Rioja, Rioja, Rioja...
see www.notesfromspain.com for details and to comment...

Notes from Spain 40 - Flying the flag

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 15:54:00 +0000

Ben and Marina wonder what's going on... it's world cup time and although England is festooned with the national flag, the Spanish flag is nowhere to be seen in Spain... see www.notesfromspain.com

Notes from Spain 39 - Feria del Libro

Sun, 28 May 2006 13:17:00 +0000

Ben and Marina visit the Feria del Libro in the Retiro Park and talk about the rise of the book in Spanish culture. See www.notesfromspain.com for details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 38 - Ibiza Birthday

Mon, 22 May 2006 15:06:00 +0000

Ben and Marina celebrate the NFS 1 year anniversary in Ibiza!

Notes from Spain 37 - Lavapies

Tue, 02 May 2006 20:20:00 +0000

Ben and Marina take a trip back to their old barrio, the emblematic and fast-changing neighbourhood of Madrid.

Notes from Spain 36 - Easter in Madrid

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 19:25:00 +0000

Ben and Marina sit in Madrid's Plaza de Oriente discussing Easter celebrations, life in the UK, and Fiestas in Madrid.

Notes from Spain 35 - El Escorial

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 18:18:00 +0000

Ben and Marina head up to El Escorial and fullfil a very special request...
Full details at notesfromspain.com

Notes from Spain 34 - Don Justo Full Version

Sun, 26 Mar 2006 21:06:00 +0000

Full 22 min version. Don Justo is a man who has spent the last 40 years building a cathedral in Mejorada del Campo, a village about 20 kilometres from Madrid. Marina and I, accompanied by her mother and (architect) father visit and attempt to describe this incredible building, and tell the story of Don Justo's life.

Notes from Spain 33 - ETA ceasefire

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 21:43:00 +0000

Ben and Marina comment on the historic decision by ETA to declare a permanent ceasefire.

Notes from Spain 32 - Enduro India

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 13:17:00 +0000

Ben's 2000 km marathon motorbike trip in Southern India - see notesfromspain.com for more details and photos.

Notes from Spain 31 - Travel Answers

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 19:22:00 +0000

Ben and Marina answer your questions on Travel in Spain. See notesfromspain.com for more details.

Notes from Spain 30 - Oviedo

Sun, 29 Jan 2006 11:21:00 +0000

Ben and Marina travel to Asturias for the weekend, to visit the beautiful Asturian capital of Oviedo. See notesfromspain.com for full details.

Notes from Spain no. 28 - A walk by the lake

Tue, 03 Jan 2006 18:02:00 +0000

A walk by the lake in the Retiro Park, Madrid. See NotesfromSpain.com for full details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 27 - Happy New Year!

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 21:24:00 +0000

Happy New Year! See notesfromspain.com for full details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 26 - Las Rias Baixas

Sun, 18 Dec 2005 12:07:00 +0000

Las Rias Baixas - see notesfromspain.com for details and to comment

Notes from Spain 25 - Santiago de Compostela

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 16:12:00 +0000

Santiago de Compostela. See www.notesfromspain.com for details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 24 - Lugo and beyond

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 19:03:00 +0000

The first podcast from our Galicia trip. See notesfromspain.com for details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 23 - Pre-Christmas in the Plaza Mayor

Sun, 27 Nov 2005 19:09:00 +0000

Live from Madrid's Plaza Mayor, at the beginning of the Christmas fair. A look at the cultural delights ahead in the festive season. See notesfromspain.com for details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 22 - Franco's Death Day

Sun, 20 Nov 2005 20:00:00 +0000

On the anniversary of Franco's death, we take a walk in the woods near his place of rest. See notesfromspain.com for details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 21 - Life and Death in Spain

Sun, 06 Nov 2005 19:17:00 +0000

Sitting by the river in El Pardo, discussing more culture-clash aspects of life and death in Spain. Plus a request for video-casting inspiration... What would you want to see on a video cast of Spain? See notesfromspain.com for details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 19 - Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu

Fri, 21 Oct 2005 08:26:00 +0000

Live from Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium - this one is a classic! Details and comments at www.notesfromspain.com

Notes from Spain 18 - Errant in Iberia

Sun, 16 Oct 2005 13:21:00 +0000

Books on Spain and extracts from Errant in Iberia, a book about my first three years in Spain. See www.notesfromspain.com for details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 17 - Pintxos in San Sebastian

Tue, 04 Oct 2005 13:15:00 +0000

An evening eating in the mouth-watering pintxo bars in San Sebastian, one of my favourite cities in Spain. See www.notesfromspain.com for details and to comment.

Notes from Spain 16 - Basque Gastronomic Society

Tue, 27 Sep 2005 18:43:00 +0000

Wonderful sound-seeing edition from a Basque Gastronomic Society in Zarautz. See www.notesfromspain.com for full details.

Notes from Spain 15 - Flamenco in Madrid

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 08:04:00 +0000

Flamenco at La Solea in Madrid. For details and to comment please visit www.notesfromspain.com

Notes from Spain 14 - Formentera

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 15:31:00 +0000

Notes from the Island of Formentera - lazy days... see http://www.notesfromspain.com for details and http://camera.benjamincurtis.com/thumbnails.php?album=30 for photos.

Notes from Spain 13 - The Spanish edition!

Mon, 22 Aug 2005 07:26:00 +0000

In Spanish for once - back to English next week! See www.notesfromspain.com for full details...

Notes from Spain 12 - The rain in Spain

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 18:36:00 +0000

Show notes:

It doesn't rain in Spain
Road deaths and lawless Spain
Drinking
National pride
Food and holidays

see www.notesfromspain.com for more...

Notes from Spain 11 - The teleferico de Madrid

Fri, 05 Aug 2005 06:17:00 +0000

A trip on one of Madrid's most curious attractions. See www.notesfromspain.com for more details.

Notes from Spain 10 - A postcard from Gandia

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 16:06:00 +0000

A postcard from Gandia - see www.notesfromspain.com for full details

Notes from Spain 9 - A postcard from Cordoba

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 21:34:00 +0000

A postcard from Cordoba - see notesfromspain.com for full details and show notes.

Notes from Spain 8 - Learning Spanish and Working in Spain

Sat, 02 Jul 2005 13:57:00 +0000

Learning Spanish and Working in Spain - Go for it! See www.notesfromspain.com for full details and shownotes.

Notes from Spain 7 - The Retrio Park

Wed, 22 Jun 2005 20:22:00 +0000

Madrid's Retiro Park - See www.notesfromspain.com for shownotes and details.

Notes from Spain Podcast no. 6 - The Plaza Mayor and beyond

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 00:21:00 +0000

Notes from Spain Podcast no. 6 - See http://www.notesfromspain.com for more details and show notes

Podcast No. 4 ! Where to live and work in Spain

Tue, 31 May 2005 14:45:00 +0000

Podcast - 31st May 2005 ! It's another Notes from Spain podcast! First part of a series on living in Spain. Where to Live and work in Spain - show notes:

San Sebastian and the North Coast
Madrid - a word of warning!
Valencia - Las Fallas!
Barcelona
Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Malaga
Cadiz and the Costa de la Luz
Seville
Cordoba
Granada and the Alpujarras - the best of Spain?
Where not to live in Spain...

Notes from Spain Podcast 25th May 2005

Wed, 25 May 2005 19:06:05 +0000

Another Terraza cast.... see www.notesfromspain.com for details!

Notes from Spain 15th May 05

Sun, 15 May 2005 19:00:00 +0000

Notes from Spain - A sound seeing tour - on the Madrid metro, football in 'the green bar', and prostitutes on the Calle Montera.

Notes from Spain Podcast no.5 - Sound seeing in Madrid

Sat, 07 May 2005 22:14:00 +0000

Notes from Spain Podcast no. 5 See http://www.notesfromspain.com for more details and show notes